The HOLIDAY (HOw ALcohol InDuces Atrial TachYarrhythmias) Study

The purpose of this study is to look for changes in the electrical properties of heart that may be caused by ethanol (commonly referred to as alcohol) and specifically how ethanol may trigger episodes of the most common abnormal heart rhythm, atrial fibrillation (AF). This study will demonstrate the mechanism of ethanol induced atrial fibrillation and clarify the health effects of one of the worlds' most popular drugs (ethanol). With this understanding, physicians may be able to better identify those patients most at risk for ethanol induced AF and target public health campaigns towards this vulnerable population. Patients in this study will undergo an electrophysiologic study both prior to and after receiving either an ethanol or placebo infusion. This electrophysiology study will measure AF inducibility (the primary outcome), left and right atrial conduction times, and the atrial effective refractory period in multiple locations (AERP). The changes in the conduction times and AERPs (before and after study drug infusion) will be recorded as secondary outcomes. About 100 people will participate in this study. 50 people will be randomized to receive intravenous ethanol, and 50 people will be randomized to receive an intravenous placebo. The placebo will be in the form of 0.45% saline solution ("half normal saline") and the alcohol will be in the form of 6% volume/volume ethanol in 0.45% saline solution.